As a member of the MVFF Volunteer Photo Team, you will be responsible for documenting the the many aspects of festival which include:

Special Events and Parties
Sponsors and Sponsor product placement
Festival attendees
Talent arriving – red carpet
Q&As with visiting talent and filmmakers
Music events
Panels and special festival events
General festival atmosphere

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Q: What kind of photo coverage is needed at the Festival?

A: We’re looking for photos of our guest filmmakers and talent, our staff, sponsors, volunteers, and general festival atmosphere (marquees, excited patrons, food and drink, the beauty of Mill Valley, etc)

In some instances, we will prepare a shot list that notes those sponsors we need to be certain to include in shots. There will be MVFF staff to help identify who these folks are. At parties, we want to get photos of sponsor venues, signage and products, ie: catering, etc. If you are shooting a party or sponsored event, try to arrive early to catch shots of sponsor product and signage in place before the crowds come in.

Marquee shots with show title and sponsor are super important!

Most screenings will have introductions as well as Q&As with talent. This info is noted on the schedule so you can plan your time accordingly. It is common practice that a photographer go shoot elsewhere while a film screens, then return to catch the Q&A.

General MVFF atmosphere.. photos that illustrate what it ‘feels like to be at MVFF’. Our community, the festival atmosphere, etc.

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Q: How do I get my photos to you?

A:  We are very appreciative of our photographers and your invaluable contribution to documenting the festival. The process, however, does not end with the click of the shutter. We will use your photos in our daily recap festival materials, as well as distribute  curated shots to press outlets. It is essential that your photos are uploaded in a timely manner and consistent format.

We ask that you get your 10 – 30 best shots to us asap, ideally within a few hours of the end of the event you’re shooting. The remaining photos, your B-roll, should be uploaded within the following 48 hours.

Refer to the File Upload Protocol tab for more info.

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Q: Who owns the photos I take?

A: You do! All volunteer photographers are required to sign an Release Form / Agreement which allows the California Film Institute/MVFF use of your photos for promotion with appropriate attribution, but you will always retain all ownership rights to your work.

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Q: If I am working a larger event (Opening, Closing, Tribute, Spotlight, etc.) can I photograph on the red carpet and inside the theater?

A: Volunteer Photographers assigned to an event will shoot from the red carpet press line along with press & media outlets. Regardless of whether you are signed up for an event, all are welcome to photograph big event red carpet entrances. For ‘Big Night’ events, however, volunteer photographers do not continue into the theater, as these events have dedicated staff & house photographers.

There will sometimes be opportunities for members of the volunteer photo team to step into the house to continue shooting as the need arises and situations allow.

Please know that everyone at MVFF appreciates your contribution. Also know that we are all a bit exhausted after months of planning the festival. Please do not take it personally if anyone seems rushed or terse in their dealings with you. Do, however, let me know if anyone is blatantly rude. That is never ok. In the heat of the moment, we all have to be hyper-aware of one another as we work together toward the end goal of presenting an awesome event for the audience, and being gracious to our fellow festial workers, guest attendees and filmmakers.

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Q: How do vouchers work?

A: You will receive a voucher for every event at which you shoot. Once you’ve uploaded your photos, you’ll be checked off as having earned one voucher. Two events per day = two vouchers, etc. We know that you are often as busy as we are during the festival, so please let us know if you would prefer vouchers for the Smith Rafael Film Center.

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Q: Which films can I see with my free ticket vouchers?

A: Vouchers can be redeemed at the box office for regularly priced film screenings. They may also be used from the rush line in lieu of cash payment. (hint: Lots of folks go to the festival & see ‘sold out’ films from only the rush line.. it’s kinda magical!)

Regularly priced screenings do not include Opening, Closing, Tributes, Spotlights, etc. — All the showcased events that are listed at the beginning of the catalog. These films themselves, however, typically have regularly priced showtimes as well.)

If you are unsure about a film you wish to redeem your ticket for, check the pricing here on the mvff.com website.

I know that some of you are too busy taking photographs to attend festival screenings (which, of course, I encourage), so if you would prefer vouchers for the Smith Rafael Film Center year-round programs, just let me know in advance.

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Q: Is the Photo Team schedule set in stone?

A: If you’ve signed up to shoot an event, we are counting on you 123%! Your photos are archiving MVFF history! We disperse photos to press and publish on the festival website daily!

If your schedule changes and you cannot shoot an assignment for which you’ve signed up, please let us know asap so that we can find a replacement.

Also be aware, the Festival schedule is dynamic… things can change very quickly! Screenings get added, cancelled or changed, guests cancel, last minute unexpected guests arrive! We will do our best to plan for changes in advance and clearly communicate any changes as soon as we are aware of them.

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Q: Can I use a flash inside the venues?

A:  NO. NEVER. It is a distraction for the folks participating in Q&As, or making introductions, as well as for guests, to have flashes going off. This is where we practice all we’ve learned about shooting in low light conditions!

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Q: Will the volunteer photographers have restricted access at any point?

A: Yes, it is possible that the volunteer photographers will not be able to photograph at some events. We sometimes do not know until the last minute if restrictions have been placed. We must remain respectful always of talent privacy and protocols that their management or studios may have requested.

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Q: Can I take a Selfie (A personal photograph) with any of the famous people that will be attending?

A: NO. NEVER. We need to set an example of professionalism while working, which I am sure all of us will strive to meet. This includes touching… no touching (not joking here).

Your badge allows access to filmmaker lounges, and some of you may be shooting private filmmaker events. Please know that as a representative of MVFF, it is imperative to be mindful to remain courteous and friendly, yet not intrusive. It’s a fine line photographers must always negotiate.

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Q: Are there any other things that I should be aware of while working?

A: There will be house and personal photographers and it will be important for the volunteer photographers to be mindful and respectful of them while shooting. For most events the volunteer team are the only photographers in attendance, and your presence is  invaluable and appreciated.

Introduce yourself to venue managers and familiarize yourself with venue staff. You are working as a team to preset these shows and events. They know to give you the access you need to get your shots, likewise, you will get to know their processes so that you do not get in the way of line flows into and out of the venues.

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Q: How do I get in touch with you if I need something during the festival?

A: As we are all on the move during the festival, the best and fastest way to get in touch with us is to send a text. Contact information will be provided in advance of the Festival, and is not to be shared with the public.

SPECIAL NOTE: Be sure that your phones are ALWAYS on mute when in the venues!